Take a look at New England’s first 53-man roster for the 2018 season The NFL’s roster cut deadline has come and gone and the New England Patriots are now under the 53-man deadline. In fact
Elandon Roberts Jersey , the team currently has only 52 players under contract, with one of them – rookie tight end Ryan Izzo – expected to be headed to injured reserve soon. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the Patriots’ first active roster of the season.Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Brian HoyerNo surprises at the quarterback position: Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer were the clear-cut top two entering the year, with rookie Danny Etling not showing enough over the summer to warrant a spot on the active roster.Running back (5): James White, Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, Jeremy Hill, James DevelinOne of the deepest positions on the roster, the running back corps appeared to be set in stone the moment Sony Michel suffered an injury in practice that allowed Jeremy Hill to see additional snaps and make the most out of them. Special teams ace Brandon Bolden has been released but could return at a later point.Wide receiver (4): Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Matthew SlaterThe lightest position on the team features only three pure wide receivers: Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson will all see plenty of playing time until fellow wide receiver Julian Edelman returns from his suspension, and moves to add more depth behind them should be expected over the next few days.Tight end (4): Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Ryan IzzoEven with Ryan Izzo expected to get moved to injured reserve, this is as solid a tight end group as any in the NFL – especially because of Rob Gronkowski. But even behind the league’s best player at the position, New England is deep with Dwayne Allen a strong blocker and Jacob Hollister a high-upside receiving option.Offensive line (7): Trent Brown, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Ted Karras, LaAdrian WaddleWhile the top five have been set since spring practices, the players behind them had to beat out their competition to earn spots on the team. While Ted Karras and LaAdrian Waddle did just that, New England could still add more backup options especially at offensive tackle.Defensive tackle (4): Malcom Brown, Danny Shelton, Lawrence Guy, Adam ButlerDespite the release of former third-round draft pick Vincent Valentine, the Patriots have plenty of depth at the defensive tackle spot: Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton are the big run stuffers in the middle, with Adam Butler primarily a pass rusher. It will be interesting to see how the team uses Lawrence Guy this year.Defensive edge (6): Trey Flowers, Adrian Clayborn
Shaq Mason Jersey , Deatrich Wise Jr., Derek Rivers, Keionta Davis, Geneo GrissomCompared to last year, the defensive edge might be the most improved position group on New England’s roster: Adrian Clayborn, Derek Rivers and Keionta Davis were all not on the active team one year ago but project to play prominent snaps alongside Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise Jr. in 2018. The Patriots keeping Geneo Grissom around behind the top six is a minor surprise.Linebacker (5): Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elandon Roberts, Nicholas GrigsbyRookie Ja’Whaun Bentley being one of the top performers during the preseason is encouraging news for a linebacker corps that looks very similar to the one the Patriots fielded last year. Getting Dont’a Hightower back, however, makes the whole group better.Cornerback (7): Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jonathan Jones, Jason McCourty, Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Keion CrossenAnother particularly deep group, the Patriots opted to keep seven cornerbacks around. One of them, training camp standout J.C. Jackson keeps New England’s streak of undrafted free agents making the opening day roster alive: for the 15th straight year, an unselected rookie has survived cutdown day. Safety (5): Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Brandon King, Nate EbnerWhile the group looks a bit thin on paper after the trade that sent Jordan Richards to the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, Jason McCourty could serve as an additional depth option behind the starting trio of Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon.Specialists (3): Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Joe CardonaWith rookie punter Corey Bojorquez unable to challenge Ryan Allen during preseason, the Patriots elected to keep the same three specialists for another year. Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen and Joe Cardona have worked together since 2015.Reserve/suspended (1): Julian EdelmanInjured reserve (5): Isaiah Wynn, Christian Sam, Ulrick John, Darren Andrews
Cheap Stephen Gostkowski Jersey , Cody HollisterPatriots apparently re-sign running back Kenjon Barner; bring in four defenders for free agency workouts On Monday, the New England Patriots brought in three offensive players for free agency workouts – including ex-Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones. Yesterday, the team addressed the defensive side of the football by hosting four players (according to ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss). Let’s take a look at them.DT Michael BennettNot to be confused with Pro Bowler currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Bennett started his career with Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. The sixth-round draft pick out of Ohio State showed promise during his rookie season – appearing in 13 games and playing one fourth of defensive snaps – before injuries derailed his career: Bennett sat out all of 2016 due to a calf issue and missed all but one game last year because of a pectoral injury. The Jaguars finally opted to release the 25-year old two weeks ago.DE Ryan DelaireLike Bennett, Ryan Delaire also entered NFL in 2015. After short stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins, the Towson product joined the Carolina Panthers as a sub-pass rusher. The 6’4, 265 lbs defensive edge appeared in a combined 16 games over the next two years, registering 3.5 sacks. Delaire, however, spent most of the 2016 season on injured reserve due to a knee issue and after failing his physical the following year, spent all of 2017 out of football. He joined the Indianapolis Colts in mid-August this year but was let go again during roster cutdowns.DE John SimonThe most experienced player brought in yesterday, John Simon appeared in a combined 55 games over the course of his five-year career. The 6’2, 260 lbs edge rusher originally joined the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens, but actually spent most of his time with the Houston Texans – a team for which he registered 10.0 sacks in 39 games. In 2017, John joined the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year contract but after ending 2017 on injured reserve due to a shoulder issue was let go earlier this month.LB Azeem VictorAfter breaking his leg late during his 2016 junior season, Azeem Victor had a bad 2017 season: he was ineffective when on the field and ended the year suspended due to a DUI charge. Consequently, the 23-year old fell to the sixth round of this year’s draft where he was picked by the Oakland Raiders. The Washington product failed to make an impact, though, and was let go again during early-September roster cutdowns. A short stint on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad later, the 6’3, 230 lbs linebacker is now on the open market again.While the Patriots were busy working out players, they also apparently brought back a familiar face: running back and punt returner Kenjon Barner, who reportedly has a locker room set up at Gillette Stadium but has not yet officially been re-signed by the team.The 28-year old entered the NFL in 2013 as a sixth round pick by the Carolina Panthers. The Oregon product was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 to reunite with his college coach, Chip Kelly, and spent the next three seasons with the Eagles. In 2017, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers before re-signing with the Eagles later during the year. Early in 2018, Barner was back with the Panthers but did not crack the team’s opening day roster.Instead, he joined the Patriots after week one to serve as a depth running back and punt returner. He was unable to showcase his talents, though, as he was a healthy scratch before getting released last week. Now, it seems as if New England brought him back to their 53-man roster. As a result, a corresponding transaction will soon have to follow.
Take a look at New England’s first 53-man roster for the 2018 season The NFL’s roster cut deadline has come and gone and the New England Patriots are now under the 53-man deadline. In fact Elandon Roberts Jersey , the team currently has only 52 players under contract, with one of them – rookie tight end Ryan Izzo – expected to be headed to injured reserve soon. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the Patriots’ first active roster of the season.Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Brian HoyerNo surprises at the quarterback position: Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer were the clear-cut top two entering the year, with rookie Danny Etling not showing enough over the summer to warrant a spot on the active roster.Running back (5): James White, Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, Jeremy Hill, James DevelinOne of the deepest positions on the roster, the running back corps appeared to be set in stone the moment Sony Michel suffered an injury in practice that allowed Jeremy Hill to see additional snaps and make the most out of them. Special teams ace Brandon Bolden has been released but could return at a later point.Wide receiver (4): Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Matthew SlaterThe lightest position on the team features only three pure wide receivers: Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson will all see plenty of playing time until fellow wide receiver Julian Edelman returns from his suspension, and moves to add more depth behind them should be expected over the next few days.Tight end (4): Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Ryan IzzoEven with Ryan Izzo expected to get moved to injured reserve, this is as solid a tight end group as any in the NFL – especially because of Rob Gronkowski. But even behind the league’s best player at the position, New England is deep with Dwayne Allen a strong blocker and Jacob Hollister a high-upside receiving option.Offensive line (7): Trent Brown, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Ted Karras, LaAdrian WaddleWhile the top five have been set since spring practices, the players behind them had to beat out their competition to earn spots on the team. While Ted Karras and LaAdrian Waddle did just that, New England could still add more backup options especially at offensive tackle.Defensive tackle (4): Malcom Brown, Danny Shelton, Lawrence Guy, Adam ButlerDespite the release of former third-round draft pick Vincent Valentine, the Patriots have plenty of depth at the defensive tackle spot: Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton are the big run stuffers in the middle, with Adam Butler primarily a pass rusher. It will be interesting to see how the team uses Lawrence Guy this year.Defensive edge (6): Trey Flowers, Adrian Clayborn Shaq Mason Jersey , Deatrich Wise Jr., Derek Rivers, Keionta Davis, Geneo GrissomCompared to last year, the defensive edge might be the most improved position group on New England’s roster: Adrian Clayborn, Derek Rivers and Keionta Davis were all not on the active team one year ago but project to play prominent snaps alongside Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise Jr. in 2018. The Patriots keeping Geneo Grissom around behind the top six is a minor surprise.Linebacker (5): Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elandon Roberts, Nicholas GrigsbyRookie Ja’Whaun Bentley being one of the top performers during the preseason is encouraging news for a linebacker corps that looks very similar to the one the Patriots fielded last year. Getting Dont’a Hightower back, however, makes the whole group better.Cornerback (7): Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jonathan Jones, Jason McCourty, Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Keion CrossenAnother particularly deep group, the Patriots opted to keep seven cornerbacks around. One of them, training camp standout J.C. Jackson keeps New England’s streak of undrafted free agents making the opening day roster alive: for the 15th straight year, an unselected rookie has survived cutdown day. Safety (5): Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Brandon King, Nate EbnerWhile the group looks a bit thin on paper after the trade that sent Jordan Richards to the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, Jason McCourty could serve as an additional depth option behind the starting trio of Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon.Specialists (3): Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Joe CardonaWith rookie punter Corey Bojorquez unable to challenge Ryan Allen during preseason, the Patriots elected to keep the same three specialists for another year. Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen and Joe Cardona have worked together since 2015.Reserve/suspended (1): Julian EdelmanInjured reserve (5): Isaiah Wynn, Christian Sam, Ulrick John, Darren Andrews Cheap Stephen Gostkowski Jersey , Cody HollisterPatriots apparently re-sign running back Kenjon Barner; bring in four defenders for free agency workouts On Monday, the New England Patriots brought in three offensive players for free agency workouts – including ex-Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones. Yesterday, the team addressed the defensive side of the football by hosting four players (according to ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss). Let’s take a look at them.DT Michael BennettNot to be confused with Pro Bowler currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Bennett started his career with Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. The sixth-round draft pick out of Ohio State showed promise during his rookie season – appearing in 13 games and playing one fourth of defensive snaps – before injuries derailed his career: Bennett sat out all of 2016 due to a calf issue and missed all but one game last year because of a pectoral injury. The Jaguars finally opted to release the 25-year old two weeks ago.DE Ryan DelaireLike Bennett, Ryan Delaire also entered NFL in 2015. After short stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins, the Towson product joined the Carolina Panthers as a sub-pass rusher. The 6’4, 265 lbs defensive edge appeared in a combined 16 games over the next two years, registering 3.5 sacks. Delaire, however, spent most of the 2016 season on injured reserve due to a knee issue and after failing his physical the following year, spent all of 2017 out of football. He joined the Indianapolis Colts in mid-August this year but was let go again during roster cutdowns.DE John SimonThe most experienced player brought in yesterday, John Simon appeared in a combined 55 games over the course of his five-year career. The 6’2, 260 lbs edge rusher originally joined the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens, but actually spent most of his time with the Houston Texans – a team for which he registered 10.0 sacks in 39 games. In 2017, John joined the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year contract but after ending 2017 on injured reserve due to a shoulder issue was let go earlier this month.LB Azeem VictorAfter breaking his leg late during his 2016 junior season, Azeem Victor had a bad 2017 season: he was ineffective when on the field and ended the year suspended due to a DUI charge. Consequently, the 23-year old fell to the sixth round of this year’s draft where he was picked by the Oakland Raiders. The Washington product failed to make an impact, though, and was let go again during early-September roster cutdowns. A short stint on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad later, the 6’3, 230 lbs linebacker is now on the open market again.While the Patriots were busy working out players, they also apparently brought back a familiar face: running back and punt returner Kenjon Barner, who reportedly has a locker room set up at Gillette Stadium but has not yet officially been re-signed by the team.The 28-year old entered the NFL in 2013 as a sixth round pick by the Carolina Panthers. The Oregon product was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 to reunite with his college coach, Chip Kelly, and spent the next three seasons with the Eagles. In 2017, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers before re-signing with the Eagles later during the year. Early in 2018, Barner was back with the Panthers but did not crack the team’s opening day roster.Instead, he joined the Patriots after week one to serve as a depth running back and punt returner. He was unable to showcase his talents, though, as he was a healthy scratch before getting released last week. Now, it seems as if New England brought him back to their 53-man roster. As a result, a corresponding transaction will soon have to follow.